04/12/2014

What Maine means to our guests.

The following is a college essay written by one of our guests, we are sharing it as we think it expresses what Rock Gardens means to so many of our clientelle. The assignment was: "Describe a place where you are perfectly content and what it means to you." (We have edited the original essay - this is a shortened version.)

"I wake up on a hard, twin-sized bed. The damp sea breeze glides through the cracked open windows, chilling my bones beneath the thin sheets. For a fleeting moment I forget where I am and I lay awake, eyes still closed, in mild confusion. Then the shriek of seagulls quickly brings me back and I remember I am spending yet another beautiful week in Maine with my family. My family and I have returned to Sebasco Harbor and the tiny town of Bath every summer for the past six years. The resort we stay at, Rock Gardens Inn, is a very quaint place made up of lots of small cabins that lie on the rocky Maine coast.

I can hear the waves ebbing and flowing over the rocks outside my window. As I lie in bed I think about how lucky I am. I think about how blessed I am to be surrounded by people who love me in such a beautiful place. In particular, I think about the generosity of my grandmother, who for the past six years has organized and funded this entire trip for our family. Without her kindhearted efforts this would never be a reality....

She started bringing us here as an effort to bring us closer as a family. She wanted a place big enough for all of us to be together, but her idea for a one time vacation quickly became an annual tradition. Even after the death of my grandfather she made sure the tradition lived on and our family continue to bond over these vacations....

Every year I look forward to this week in August when I am able to replace all the stresses of real life with the sounds of waves crashing against the rocky Maine shore.....

Maine, for me, is a place of perpetual childhood. At home things like bowling, crab hunting and huge games of tag seem silly, but in Maine they are special. All the things we do in Maine are dear to me because they are done with family. Even the smallest things are capable of bringing so much joy when they are done together.

And for all of this joy and love, I thank my Grandma Joan. Through her determination and devotion towards this trip she has taught me the true value of family. For this I thank her, because it is here, at Rock Gardens Inn, surrounded by my family and by the beauty of the ocean, where I find peace. Even upon returning back home, I find myself rejuvenated. I feel secure knowing that no matter what life throws at me, whatever changes or challenges, I have this time in Maine where the world doesn't matter and I can push pause and take a deep breath. As I sit in bed, in these early mornings in Maine, reflecting on all beauty, love and peace that surround me, I am perfectly and utterly content."

Thanks so much Cori for sharing this essay with all of us. We are so happy to be a part of what makes coming to Maine special for you. Good luck in college next fall!